Living in Greece: Basic Words and Phrases

Phrases for Travelers

Do you speak English? “Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;” (MeeLAHte agleeKA?)

I'm sorry, I don't speak Greek: “Λυπάμαι, δεν μιλάω ελληνικά” (LeePAmeh, den miLAo ehleeneeKA)

I don’t understand: “Δεν καταλαβαίνω” (Then katalaVEHno)

I’d like to buy this: “Θα ήθελα να το αγοράσω αυτό” (Tha EEthehla na to agoRAso afTO)

Can I try this on? “Μπορώ να το φορέσω αυτό;» (BoRO na to foREHso afTO?)

I have a reservation: “Έχω κάνει κράτηση” (Ekho KAnee KRAteesee)

Could we have the menu, please? “Θα μπορούσαμε να έχουμε τον κατάλογο, παρακαλώ;” (Tha boROOsame na Ekhoume ton kaTAlogo, parakaLO?)

Do you have any dishes for vegetarians? “Έχετε πιάτα για χορτοφάγους;” (Ekhehteh peeAta gia hortoFAgoos?)

Could you take a picture of me, please? “Θα μπορούσατε να τραβήξετε μια φωτογραφία μου;” (Tha borOOsate na traVEEksehteh MEEa fotograFEEa moo?)

Could I have the check? “Θα μπορούσα να έχω τον λογαριασμό;” (Tha borOOsa na Ekho ton logariaSMO?)

I love Greece: “Αγαπώ την Ελλάδα” (AgaPO teen EhLAtha)

Oops!/Whoa!: “Ώπα” (OHpa) Originally meaning “oops” or “whoops,” it's also used frequently as an expression of enthusiasm or joy in celebrations or to show appreciation for music and dancing.

Various Wishes

Birthdays

May you live long! “Να ζήσεις!” (na zeesees) May you live up to a hundred! “Να τα εκατοστήσεις!” (Na ta ekatoSTEEsees)

Name Days

May you rejoice your name: “Να χαίρεσαι το όνομά σου!” (na HEHrehseh to Onoma soo)